On 26 September 2018, the Council of Europe has launched an education project on Fostering rapprochement through education for democracy and language learning (FRED).
The FRED project will work with up to 10 Kosovo* elementary and secondary schools to promote a positive image of local and regional plurilingualism and pluriculturalism as a basis for successful language learning and intercultural dialogue. It will focus on fostering rapprochement between different communities by creating opportunities for dialogue among individuals and communities while developing mutual confidence through education and language learning.
The project will last 24 months and is implemented by the Council of Europe and co-funded by Norway and the Council of Europe.
This initiative has the potential to combine grassroots initiatives within schools and community level with school-based projects, capacity building, school partnerships, public debates, and research for enhanced cultural and linguistic exchange. The project will be implemented in three phases:
Phase 1: Baseline study on linguistic and cultural representations of young people, opportunities for and obstacles to language learning and education for democracy
Phase 2: Capacity building and awareness-raising through school-based projects and international school exchange
Phase 3: Public debates, analysis, policy recommendations and publication
Factsheets in three languages: ENG, ALB, SER.
All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.